[Pollinator] EPA pollinator protection team

[Jennifer Tsang]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


EPA Launches Protection Team to Explore Widespread Bee Deaths

WASHINGTON - EPA has formed a pollinator protection team to expand the
agency's inquiry into the possible causes of declines in pollinators,
especially honey bee populations in the U.S. The new multidisciplinary team
will address the potential risks that pesticides may contribute to what is
known as colony collapse disorder. 

Although the role that pesticides play in the phenomenon has not been
scientifically established, the team will explore possible approaches,
tools, and resources for reducing the potential risks of pesticides to
pollinators. The team has also developed a strategic plan that focuses on
three main goals for guiding the agency's work and direction in protecting
pollinators in the years ahead:

*	Advancing the agency's scientific knowledge and assessment of
pesticide risks to pollinators 
*	Improving risk management tools for mitigating potential risks to
pollinators 
*	Increasing and broadening EPA's collaboration and communication with
governmental and non-governmental organizations and the public in addressing
pollinator issues


EPA has been working on multiple fronts to protect honey bees through
regulatory, voluntary, and research programs. However, since colony collapse
disorder first focused attention on honey bee declines beginning in 2006,
the agency has been reassessing its approach to pollinator protection.

More information:
<http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/ecosystem/pollinator-protection.html>
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/ecosystem/pollinator-protection.html

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